By: Annemarie Darr
We’ve heard of love stories like the ones in Hollywood romances and wonder if love stories like that one exists in real life. Paula Hoffman (73), of Cedar Rapids will tell you that they do, in fact, exist.
Hoffman met her husband, Geno, on Sep. 18th, 1967. She was 21 years old and he was 26. Hoffman went to a drive-in that he worked at to get an ice cream cone. Shortly after that same night, he came into town to drive around to see if she was available, and she was. They went to go watch car races in a nearby town, and their date lasted until 1 a.m. Later that same week, on Saturday, he proposed.
“My parents and friends were probably scared for me, but Geno was established, he was 26 and I was 21, so they were probably not as concerned as if we were in high school,” said Hoffman.
Hoffman remembers that she wasn’t nervous at all with him. She was ready to marry, after all, her first impression of him was, “Wow.” They got married three months later on Dec. 16, 1967. She remembers that their song was “Hey Paula” by Paul and Paula. A song she says she still holds close to her heart.
Hoffman doesn’t remember many hard times being married to him, except living on a farm with him three miles from a hard surface road. The hardest time she experienced happened when he passed away at 58 years old. 15 years later and she still thinks the world about him every day. She didn’t watch them dance together on video until he passed away.
“He loved me like I had never been loved before.”
Pictured above: Geno Hoffman
She said she has never forgotten the love that he had for her. When asked for advice on what someone should do to make a relationship last she said, “Appreciate what you have.”
Today, Hoffman participates in Coe’s Intergenerational program and enjoys eating out when she is able. She also loves stand-up comedy and talking to new people.
“I remember the first time Annemarie asked if I wanted to meet Paula, said Sarah Latting (’22). She had talked about her so much and I was excited. When I met her, she gave me a huge hug and we laughed at Buffalo Wild Wings together.”
Eliza Sundermann, (’21), has never met Paula in person, but knew that she liked her right away.
“I see Annemarie and Paula texting every day and planning little dates together. It’s nice to see a connection like that, you wouldn’t expect it,” said Sundermann.
With years of experience in love, Hoffman holds on to what she remembers. She is continuously thankful for the time she got to spend with Geno.
“It’s better to have loved liked that than to have never had it, because you can always recreate it in your mind.”
Annemarie (COM 241) 